First Half Goals Sink Memphis at No. 21 UConn

Sunday, October 2

Storrs, Conn.

12:00 PM

University of Memphis

7-3-1, 1-1AAC

UConn

10-2, 2-0AAC

Memphis

UCONN

Photo by: Matthew Smith

Oct 02, 2016 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Huskies score three goals in seven-minute stretch

STORRS, Conn. – Memphis dug themselves an early hole and couldn't climb out of it, as the Tigers lost 4-1 at No. 21 UConn Sunday at Joseph J. Morrone Stadium. The Huskies (10-2, 2-0 AAC) scored three goals in a seven-minute stretch during the first half to give themselves a big lead.

"UConn's experience really showed today. They are a veteran group that played like a veteran group today," Memphis head coach Brooks Monaghan said. "We came out and gave them too much respect from the opening whistle, which allowed them to dictate the game. They have two very special layers that play up top that scored all four goals."

Freshman midfielder Jessica Lisi gave the Tigers (7-3-1, 1-1 AAC) a lifeline early in the second half, scoring from a direct free kick just after halftime. Unfortunately that was all the scoring Memphis would do in the game.

Lisi has scored in consecutive matches and is now tied for second on the team with three goals. Her eight points are also the second most on the team.

UConn's scoring duo of Stephanie Ribeiro and Rachel Hill did all of the damage, each finishing with two goals and an assist. Ribeiro scored twice in the first half and is tied for the NCAA lead with 12 goals this season. Hill's two goals upped her season total to 10.

Memphis improved in the second half after being outshot 9-2 in the opening 45 minutes. The Tigers outshot the Huskies 6-5 in the second period and forced four saves out of UConn goalkeeper Emily Armstrong.

"Our players never gave up, but we dug ourselves too big of a hole. I thought the second half was much better and if we would have started with that mentality we would have given ourselves a fighting chance. A timid team never wins against an experienced team," said Monaghan.

The Tigers will return home to play three straight conference matches at Mike Rose Soccer Complex, starting with East Carolina, Thursday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. Memphis will close out the home stand against Cincinnati, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m. and against Tulsa, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.